What Makes a Good Hymn?

Body

“When we’re discussing hymns being ‘well-written,’ we’re not only referring to the lyrics but also the melody. Great melodies tend to gain staying power; they endure across generations.” - 9 Marks

Discussion

Worship Is More than Music

McDonald’s sells more than burgers, Amazon sells more than books, and a AAA membership offers far more benefits than just roadside assistance. We easily associate a brand name or well-known company with a limited sample of its products or services when it actually produces or offers much more. If we’re not careful, we do the same thing in the church when we view or portray worship as the musical part of Sunday morning gatherings. I say this because worshiping God encompasses so much more than music.

Discussion

Do Church Worship Bands Keep People From Singing?

Body

“In most churches today, the worship time has become a concert. …I visit churches pretty much for a living, and as I look around during the services, the vast numbers of the congregation are watching the stage and listening – not singing.” - Phil Cooke

Discussion

Hymn vs Song – Is There a Difference?

Body

“When you read a well-crafted hymn such as When I Survey the Wond’rous Cross, you will feel the cadence, even if unaware of the melody composed for it. This is why composers can keep writing new tunes … also why many people (particularly in ages past) would read hymnals as they would any devotional book, and even delight in the hymns they’d never heard.” - C.Leaders

Discussion

Like that new church worship song? Chances are, it will be gone soon.

Body

CCLI data study: “In the mid-1990s, a popular song like ‘Refiner’s Fire,’ or ‘In Secret’ had a lifespan of about a dozen years, rising for 4-5 years before hitting a slow decline. Two decades later, that lifespan has dropped down to 3-4 years” - RNS

Discussion

Should We Keep Singing Hillsong?

Body

“When a megachurch scandal makes headlines, it doesn’t usually affect your Sunday morning set list. But Hillsong isn’t just a megachurch. It’s a major global force in worship music.” - C.Today

Discussion

Faithlife Data Reveals Top Worship Song of 2021

Body

“Pat Barrett’s ‘Build My Life’ has regained the number one spot as the most popular worship song, a title it also held in 2019.” “In Christ Alone” remains in the top ten. - C.Leaders

Discussion

Raising the Roof of God’s House: A Call for Loud Praise

In Psalm 98:4, God’s people are called to crank up the volume of congregational praise:

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth into joyous song and sing praises! (ESV).

I’d like to offer a brief exposition of the key terms employed, followed by some practical observations.

Brief Commentary

The Psalmist employs three expressions in verse 4 that call for exuberant praise.

Discussion